Router unable to sustain download speeds?

NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
edited December 2007 in Science & Tech
So here's one that's bugging me. I'm back at home for the holidays and my parent's router (Linksys BEFW11S4 V.2 - old and tough, damn thing won't die) seems to be unable to hold a sustainable download from Steam for any given period of time when wireless.

However, when I switch channels, it feels rejuvenated and decides to give me great speeds for 5-20mins. It gets tired, though, and slows down. The same thing occurs when browsing, downloading, or watching streaming video.

Is this a sign of a dying router? How can it work hard for 5 minutes, then turn around and give up when I'm not looking? :confused:

Comments

  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited December 2007
    It might be overheating. I assume there are ventilation holes on the top and bottom. Check for dust obstruction. If the lower vents are very close to the resting surface, elevate it a bit and see if that helps.
  • DJ_EvergreenDJ_Evergreen MB, Canada Member
    edited December 2007
    Only way to see if it is the router is to either buy a new router or plug your computer directly into the modem and bypass your router and then see if you have the same problems.

    I had an old router (non linksys) that kept disconnecting or got so slow it wasn't usable. Turned out to be the router.
  • NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
    edited December 2007
    We just plopped it on the DVR, Leo, which does actually generate a lot of heat. I'll try moving it to see if that helps. Wired connections are not suffering from these 'symptoms'. Should have made that clear, I suppose.
  • NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
    edited December 2007
    Heat isn't the culprit. Any other ideas what might be causing this?
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